Thursday's papers

It is the day for the first ever leaders debate in Britain and the papers are full of the previews.

Ninety minutes that could change Britain says the Independent which says that

65 per cent of the adult public say they will watch the three debates – about 30 million people. Half of them say the contests could influence how they vote on 6 May, meaning that 15 million votes could be up for grabs.

putting the debate on a par with an England football international or an X Factor final.

says the Times

For the Guardian,

Less than a day before the historic debate, a furious row broke out between Labour and David Cameron tonight after the Conservative leader condemned the strict rules and controversial format.

According to the Mail,Labour has resorted to negative campaigning ahead of the first of three vital TV election debates tonight.

Ministers called David Cameron a 'toffee-nosed' fan of George Bush and claimed his party was homophobic.

The Sun reports the words of David Cameron who said

Mr Cameron said: "I hope the public won't feel short changed."It looks like we might only get through eight questions.
"I do public meetings around the country and I try and get through about 25 questions in an hour.

Meanwhile a new poll in the Telegraph shows that the Tories are leading Labour by 12 points in crucial marginal constituencies.

Labour have dropped five points since the 2005 election in these seats, while the Tories have gained seven points, the poll showed.

The Guardian meanwhile reports that Gordon Brown has received a boost on the eve of today's televised leaders' debate after more than 50 economists from around the world signed a letter backing his handling of the economy

Another poll by the Times focus group run by the pollster Populus found a suspicious electorate who are still making up their minds whether they can trust David Cameron.

The Independent reports that

Attempts by the Tories to boost their green credentials were attacked as a sham after it emerged that the man who would be Environment Secretary,Nick Herbert, in a Conservative government is fighting to stop the construction of two recycling plants in his constituency.